Reembolsar vs. devolver
The Portuguese words reembolsar and devolver can both mean to repay or to return, but they have distinct connotations and usage depending on the context. This explanation will differentiate their meanings and provide diverse examples to highlight how they are used properly.
Reembolsar
B1Reembolsar means to reimburse, compensate, or pay back a certain amount of money. It is used primarily in financial or formal contexts, often referring to refunding or settling monetary obligations.
A empresa vai reembolsar os clientes pelo valor gasto na compra.
(The company will reimburse the customers for the amount spent on the purchase.)
Eles prometeram reembolsar o dinheiro do ingresso cancelado.
(They promised to refund the money for the canceled ticket.)
Você precisa reembolsar o banco pelo empréstimo que pegou.
(You need to repay the bank for the loan you took out.)
Devolver
A2Devolver generally means to return something (not limited to money) to its original owner or to its proper place. It is used both in financial contexts (to repay debt) and in non-financial contexts.
Ele me devolveu o dinheiro que pedi emprestado.
(He returned the money I had lent him.)
Você pode devolver este livro na biblioteca amanhã?
(Can you return this book to the library tomorrow?)
Prometi devolver os itens emprestados ao meu amigo.
(I promised to return the borrowed items to my friend.)
Summary
The main difference between reembolsar and devolver lies in their focus and usage. Reembolsar is primarily used in financial or transactional contexts to talk about reimbursing or paying back money. On the other hand, devolver has a broader meaning, referring to returning anything (money, object, or even symbolic items) to its rightful owner or place. While devolver can include debt repayment in informal contexts, reembolsar is typically more formal and specific to monetary situations.